Britain has been seeking the extradition of Rauf in a 2002 murder case unrelated to the alleged plane plot.

He disappeared on December 14 while being escorted by two police officers along with his uncle to a fast-food restaurant and a mosque. The two officers have since been formally charged.

"Look, many people, thousands of people, disappear in Pakistan," Habib told The Guardian.

"The government knows what it means, and the people know what it means."

He said that it was possible Rauf had not disappeared forever, though, adding: "Sometimes in Pakistan, people come home after two or three years saying they were just taken out of prison and left at the side of a main road. Or sometimes people are brought to the surface by the authorities, for some reason or other."

"Perhaps it will be announced that Rashid was caught in crossfire during a police operation. Then his family will be given his body."